DNA Testing Time Cut in Half

The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office in Minnesota has recently reduced the time it takes them to test DNA… by half! Thanks to several contributing factors, the lab has been reaping many benefits from this decrease in processing time. The lab has been able to focus their DNA analysis efforts not only on the most recent DNA samples that they receive, but also on their backlog, including property crime samples. Sheriff’s Office’s Kip Carver said, “Violent crime in the county is down 38 percent. The crime lab is very much a part of that.” The Sheriffs Office attributes the advancement to the hiring of more lab techs, more thorough training, federal grant money, a new lab, and the teamwork of other federal agencies.

To read more about this progressive development, click here!

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Prather, S. (October 1, 2013). Hennepin County crime lab cuts DNA testing time in half. In StarTribune. Retrieved October 3, 2013, from http://www.startribune.com/local/west/226040991.html.

[Abstract written by: Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Picking Up the Dead Ends

In Utah, the murder of Krystal Beslanowich appeared to have gone cold. That is, until the police utilized a vacuum, known as the M-Vac, that picked DNA off the murder weapon and obtained the full DNA profile that the police had been missing. The vacuum proved effective because it can gather more DNA than a traditional cotton swab from any surface area, including polyester, nylon, or in this case, a rock. However, forensic analysts note that while the tool was helpful in this case, a forensic vacuum is often used as the last resort for evidence collection because the vacuum will collect everything that ever touched the object being investigated.

To read the full article, click here!

Citation: McFall, M (September 25, 2013). The Salt Lake Tribune. Forensic vacuum was key to solving Utah cold-case murder. Retrieved October 3, 2013 from http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56919086-78/dna-simpson-bonner-amp.html.csp.
[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

ForensicWeek.com Show – Airing Episode 35 – “Unlocking the Door to Forensic Locksmithing”

The ForensicWeek.com Webcast Show is airing Episode 35, “Unlocking the Door to Forensic Locksmithing.” LIVE this Thursday, Oct. 3rd 7PM to 8PM (EST). Forensic locksmithing is the examination of a lock or other security device using scientific methods to determine if and how the device was opened, neutralized, or bypassed.  This valuable field can make the different to determine the capability and opportunity a suspect may have had to commit a crime.    Join Host, Tom Mauriello, and guest, Steven Mauriello (the name is no coincidence), as they present a topic of discussion that openings the door for viewers to better recognize the ability of a locksmith to close your case.  JUST GO TO www.forensicweek.com to view the show LIVE, or watch any of the previous shows at your convenience.  Thank you for watching!

Sink Your Teeth into this Debate over Forensic Dentistry

Forensic odontology has arisen as a potent controversy among criminal justice professionals on whether or not the practice should even continue. The Innocence Project, a group that aims to exonerate wrongfully convicted people with the use of DNA evidence, claims that forensic odontology is a “junk science,” and advocate for the abandonment of the practice. Along with the Innocence Project, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) questions the validity of this forensic technique. In a paper published by NAS four years ago, they concluded that there is a “lack of valid evidence to support many of the assumptions made by forensic dentists during bite mark comparisons.” On the other side of the debate, Dr. Gregory Golden argued that bite mark evidence has led to multiple solid convictions, including that of serial killer Ted Bundy. He goes on to say that bite marks can also be useful in identifying age, victims of mass casualties, and to spot child abuse. Although limited scientific studies exist to support the claims of forensic dentists, Golden persists that forensic odontologists offer an accurate analysis up to 98% of the time.

To pick a side of the debate and learn more, click to read the full article here!

Citation: Stroud, M. The Verge. Biting Controversy: Forensic Dentistry battles to prove it’s not “junk science.” Retrieved September 26, 2013 from http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/25/4770070/biting-controversy-forensic-dentistry-battles-to-prove-its-not-junk.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Microscopic Criminal Catchers

A research facility in southeastern Texas has been investigating the use of bacteria as a new forensics tool. Entomologist, Sibyl Bucheli, was inspired by her work with insects, and thought, “If insects change through time, then so do bacteria…And if insects can be used, so can the bacteria.” The researchers at the facility believe microbes could offer endless possibilities in enabling police investigations. Among these possibilities include improving time-of-death estimates, determining cause of death, linking individuals to things they have touched, and concluding if a body was moved after death. Although the research remains in the early stages of development, with practical uses for the research years away, the scientists eagerly take on this challenge of microscopic investigative analysis.

To read the full article and listen to the NPR broadcast, check out the link here!

Citation: Stein, R. NPR. Could Detectives Use Microbes To Solve Murders? Retrieved September 25, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/09/23/219375086/could-detectives-use-microbes-to-solve-murders.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Cellebrite to Offer Medical Examiner Training

Cellebrite will begin holding training classes in the hopes for people to become certified as Medical Examiners. “The new program delivers a higher quality, standardized mobile forensics training curriculum, culminating in a formal Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (CCME) credential.”   You get to take your pick on how you want to learn since there are three different ways to take the class, classroom-based training, LIVE online training, and self-paced online training.

Click here to see the full article!

[Abstract written by Karl "Kip" Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

The ForensicWeek.com Show – Airing Episode 34 – “The Security Clearance Investigation”

The ForensicWeek.com Webcast Show is airing Episode 34 this Thursday, September 26th, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST). The show‘s topic is “The Security Clearance Investigation.” Just what does your life have to look like to be judged a person of trust and responsibility for a sensitive position? What should you expect when an agency, department or organization conducts a background investigation on you for a job or security clearance? Join Host, Tom Mauriello, and special guests, Washington, DC. Attorney, Mark Zaid, and the one and only D*I*C*Eman, Ray Semko, as they present a show that will give viewers a chance to better understand this explosive topic in wake of the shooting incident at the Washington Navy Yard. JUST GO TO www.forensicweek.com to view the show LIVE, or watch this episode or any of the previous shows at your convenience. Thank you for watching!

UK Lets the Cat (DNA) Out of the Bag

In this case, it’s not as important to consider what the cat “dragged in”, but rather what the cat left behind. Besides being a furry household feline friend, cats are now proving very useful in forensic investigations.  During a recent death scene investigation in the UK, law enforcement officials were able to use cat hair DNA to convict David Hilder on manslaughter. Among the evidence that convinced the jury of Hilder’s guilt was a cat hair found on the body.  The hair, after being compared with 152 other local UK cats, proved to be a positive match to Hilder’s cat, Tinker. The UK has just begun to realize the forensic benefits of animal DNA. The US has been reaping these benefits for years largely through a database located in California. So, next time you’re thinking your four-legged friend is a nuisance, remember how important he could be.

Please check out further reading on this topic here!

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Satter, R. Forensic Magazine. Cat DNA Catches Convict Killer. Retrieved September 17, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/08/cat-dna-catches-convict-killer#.Ujo1E2TBK7O

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

A Little Help on Dealing with Unusual Surfaces

Lifting prints or receiving evidence from a surface other than what we would expect to be normal is quite hard. Dick Warrington, in his article “tools of the Trade: Dealing with Unusual Surfaces,” goes into how to lift prints and other evidence from surfaces that do not fit the everyday category. The surfaces he covers are multi-textured/multi-contoured, adhesive surfaces, dust surfaces, and wet surfaces. When speaking about multi-textured surfaces, Warrington gives three examples of products and techniques that can be used to help find evidence. The three of those products are AccuTrans, polyethylene tape, and DIFF-Lift tape. Each of these help the user to lift fingerprints and other pieces of evidence from surfaces that are definitely harder to get evidence from.

Full Article Here!

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Warrington, D. (2013, August 28). Tools of the Trade: Dealing with Unusual Surfaces. Forensic 

     Magazine. 

[Abstract written by Karl "Kip" Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

Improved Microfluidic Technique for DNA

Forensic DNA testing has become a valuable technique for professionals in the criminal justice field due to its ability to accurately and consistently link DNA evidence to an individual or another source. However, accuracy comes into question when the DNA sample comes from contaminated or crude evidence. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Applied Research Associates, Inc. have created an improved microfluidic technique designed to overcome extracting a full DNA signature from “real-world, complex mixtures such as dirt.” This new technique will save time and make DNA much easier to obtain from these otherwise difficult samples.

For more details, click here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Forensic Magazine. Microfluidic Technique Recovers DNA for IDs. Retrieved September 19, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/09/microfluidic-technique-recovers-dna-ids#.UjtB7MasiSo

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Using Insects to Determine Time of Death

Body temperature, lividity, rigor mortis, decomposition – all factors in estimating time of death. What’s a surprising element that can also aid in TOD estimation? BUGS. That’s right. Contrary to being an unwelcome visitor in your home, insects discovered at death scene investigations are considered to be important pieces of evidence. By examining these bugs, investigators can discover whether or not a body was moved, if a body has been disturbed, if drugs were present in the body prior to decomp, notably, the time of death, and much more. Researcher and crime scene consultant, Dick Warrington, stresses that in order for crime scene investigators to take full advantage of the benefits provided by forensic entomology, they must first understand how to handle the scene. Observing, recording, photographing, and collecting samples of the insects is the key for an accurate analysis. If all steps are completed properly, forensic entomologists can uncover the aforementioned invaluable information.

Did these buggy facts capture your interest? See the full article here

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Warrington, D. Forensic Magazine. Crime Scene Bugs. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2010/10/crime-scene-bugs#.UjEsEWTBK7N

[Abstract written by Alexandra Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

Processing of Abnormal Surfaces Made Easier

Some people hold the belief that irregular surfaces cannot be processed in a way that yields useful results. Well, Dick Warrington, researcher and crime scene consultant, is here to challenge that belief. Dick explains that all surfaces can be processed as long as the appropriate method is used. He goes so far as to say, “…the only ‘surfaces’ where you can’t get prints are air and water…”. Right away, he launches in to offer some possible processing techniques for the most difficult surface – multi-textured/multi-contoured surfaces. A tool resembling a caulking gun called AccuTrans can be used on this type of surface to create casts of impressions and lift prints. This tool produces better results than other methods because it mixes its chemicals for you. Another instrument that can be used to process multi-contoured surfaces is polyethylene tape to lift prints. This works well because it can conform to the shape of the surface hosting the print. Another device that can be used on this type of surface that is worth mention is DIFF-Lift tape. Because it is so much stronger than traditional lifting tape, DFF-Lift tape can lift a print from very textured surfaces. Besides multi-textured/multi-contoured surfaces, there are also adhesive, dust and wet surfaces that seem difficult to process. An adhesive side powder can be used to lift prints from an adhesive surface. Electrostatic dust lifters such as PathFinder allow prints to be lifted from dusty surfaces. Finally, a small particles reagent can be used on wet surfaces to retrieve prints. Provided with just these examples, it is evident that surfaces of all types can be processed successfully – as long as the correct technology is utilized.

For further detail on these processing methods, be sure to read the full article here

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Warrington, D. Forensic Magazine. Tools of the Trade: Dealing with Unusual Surfaces. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/08/tools-trade-dealing-unusual-surfaces#.UjFK_mTBK7N

[Abstract written by Alexandra Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

Better Science Could Mean a New Day in Court

Recently, Texas lawmakers approved Senate Bill 344 which, according to this article, is the first law in America to allow defendants a new trial in light of relevant scientific evidence that was not accessible at the time of the first trial because the science had yet to be developed. For Robert Avila, the passage of this law might save his life. In his original trial, where he stood accused of killing his girlfriend’s 19 month old child in a fit of jealousy while babysitting her two children, Avila denied involvement in the child’s death despite the evidence stacked against him – including a signed confession and evidence that demonstrated that the four-year-old present could not have inflicted injuries serious enough to kill the baby. However, 12 years later, new biomechanical evidence reveals that there is a chance that the toddler could have accidentally caused the child fatal injuries. At the time Avila went to trial, forensic pathologists did not have the tools to consider this possibility. With the passage of this bill, Avila might have another day in court, and another chance to prove his innocence.

Read the full article here.

Source: The Texas Tribune

Citation:

Grissom, B. The Texas Tribune. New Law Gives New Hope to Death Row Inmate. Retrieved September 12, 2013, from http://www.texastribune.org/2013/09/08/new-law-gives-new-hope-death-row-inmate/.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Bone Tissue for Toxicology

There are many different methods used to determine what types of drugs are in a dead body. One new technique that is in the works is examining bone tissue to find what is present.  Since the adult body has 206 bones in it, it is likely that “bones could potentially represent a significant ‘sink’ for drugs and their metabolites.”  This article identifies  two questions, “Is there variation in drug concentration within the same skeleton?” and “Does burial affect drug detection in skeletal tissues?”  These questions are followed by research in an attempt to find answers each question.  All in all, it is found that this technique is still in its infancy, and needs more time and experimenting in order to perfect it.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:
Gautam, L. (2013, July 3). Drugs from Unusual Matrices: Using Bone Tissue as a Forensic Toxicology
Specimen. Forensic Magazine.

Click here to Link to full article

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]